11. Overseas Visits

Prior to the visit and on arrival, there are various things that the Visit Leader shoulc check.

Food, drink and hygiene overseas can vary considerably from the UK. It is advisable to identify potential hazards in advance and to make arrangements to mitigate any risk.

Visit Leaders should be able to communicate effectively in the native language of the country or through a translator in order to manage the business relating to the Visit or any problems arising.

Information about weather should be used to inform participants and parents about any particular clothing/equipment requirements for the planned activities and to raise awareness of any significant risks.

It will be important to consider how spending money and contingency funds will be kept safe and accessed throughout the trip.

It is necessary to have a plan in place to enable routine and emergency communications with consideration being given to different time zones, mobile coverage, costs etc.

During an Overseas Visit it is important that the Visit Leader has adequate knowledge and information about participants to ensure their wellbeing.

Access to medical assistance and facilities, and the standard of those facilities, needs to be outlined to participants and parents in the early planning stage.

Swimming and paddling in natural waters such as rivers, canals, the sea or lochs can present significant hazards and the Visit Leader must prepare a risk assessment detailing any significant hazards and how they will be controlled.